Local Enterprise Week is Back, in 2026
Waterford Local Enterprise Office has announced a large programme of events across five days during Local Enterprise Week 2026, taking place for Waterford City and County businesses from March 2nd to March 6th.
The Local Enterprise Office has gathered experts in finance, marketing, social media, business growth and pitches. There are networking events, workshops and advice clinics, all crammed into one week at the start of March. The LEO Waterford has teamed up with the Walton Institute again this year for a Digital Innovation Clinic specifically aimed at trading limited companies. Walton Institute is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for ICT research and innovation based in South East Technological University (SETU).
The Digital Innovation Clinic offers a hands-on experience where participants can explore and develop innovative digital solutions. This clinic provides tools, resources, and expert guidance to help individuals and organisations transform their ideas into actionable projects. This year’s Local Enterprise Week will feature many new events including informative and engaging workshops, seminars, presentations and advice clinics aimed at local businesses, whether in pre-start, start-up or as an established business looking to grow.
One of these new partnerships is with Buíon Phort Láirge. This collaboration delivers a practical workshop designed to help you refine your sales approach and strengthen your business pitch. The session will focus on real-world techniques that help you communicate your value more clearly, connect more effectively with potential customers, and turn conversations into opportunities. There are many events back by popular demand this year too, such as the Social Media Mash Up, taking place on Thursday 5th March in the Waterford Treasures. Now in its 7th year, the Mash Up is bringing together businesses that want to stay ahead in the ever changing digital and social media space.
The Lunchtime Bites series heads to three county Enterprise Centres throughout the week. These sessions are a great opportunity to visit your local Enterprise Centre, learn about the facilities and supports available, and see how the centre could support your business now or in the future. Lunch is provided, so bring your appetite and an open mind as our guest speaker Ronan Cleary of Eagle Media will be discussing AEO (AI Engine Optimisation), how businesses can optimise their content and online presence to appear in AI-driven search results and tools.
The Local Enterprise Office also celebrates International Women’s Day with Waterford Chamber, Dungarvan Chamber and Network Waterford supporting events across the week. If you’re unsure where to start this Local Enterprise Week, or simply want a clear overview of what’s available from your Local Enterprise Office then don’t miss the LEO Supports & Services Explained webinar on Tues 3rd March. This session will outline the range of supports available through LEO Waterford and how they can help your business save time, money and energy in 2026. Learn how to unlock the Energy Efficiency Grant of €10,000 and access a €5,000 Grow Digital Voucher.
Head of Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Waterford Gareth Evans is looking forward to what promises to be a busy and productive week, “This year’s Local Enterprise Week programme has something for everyone, whatever phase your business is in, or whatever sector your business is in. The range of events and the calibre of speakers and facilitators are such that the topical business issues affecting us today and, in the future, will be addressed with practical insight into achieving your business goals.
“Waterford Local Enterprise Office is delighted to work in conjunction with various key business support organisations and state agencies, including Enterprise Ireland, Network Waterford, Buíon Phort Láirge, Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber and Waterford Chamber, to provide a programme that gives entrepreneurs and businesses opportunities to help them on the path to growth.”
To register for Local Enterprise Week events taking place in Waterford city and county from March 2nd to 6th, visit https://bit.ly/LEW2026 . Most events are completely free of charge while some have a nominal booking fee. As with every year, many of the events are expected to book up quickly so early booking is strongly advised.
